Observation device with a range finder

ABSTRACT

The invention describes an observation device, having two tubular observation parts, wherein the longitudinal axes of the observation parts in the region of the ocular sides are spaced apart by a distance of at least 54 mm. At least one observation part has a flared portion on an external side, wherein the flared portion is located inside a subsection of between 20% and 80% of an overall length of the observation part. The flared portion lies in an annulus section having a normal distance to the optical axis of the objective of between 130% and 250% of the radius the objective lens.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 12/865,485, filed Nov. 24, 2010, which is a national phase entryunder 35 U.S.C. §371 of International Application No. PCT/AT2009/000039,filed Jan. 30, 2009, published in German, which claims the benefit ofAustrian Patent Application No. A 153/2008, filed Jan. 31, 2008;Austrian Patent Application No. A 163/2008, filed Feb. 1, 2008; EuropeanPatent Application No. 08001979.7, filed Feb. 2, 2008; and U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/137,406, filed Jul. 30, 2008. Thedisclosures of said applications are incorporated by reference herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a long-range optical device, including at leasttwo observation parts, corresponding to the features of the disclosure.

Binoculars with a deflected beam path offset along their longitudinalextension have already become known, in which the hinged bridge partsare fixed to the part of the housing projecting in the direction of thecommon pivot axis. This housing part projecting radially beyond the tubeserves only to accommodate the optics for the beam path.

The problem addressed by the invention is to create a long-range opticaldevice which is designed to accommodate additional components in theobservation part.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The problem addressed by the invention is solved by a long-range opticaldevice, in particular an observation device (1), having at least twoobservation parts (3, 4), which each comprise housing parts (38, 39)with an ocular side (6) and an objective side (5), a longitudinal axis(40, 41) of the observation part (3, 4) extending between the ocularside (6) and the objective side (5), and having at least one observationbeam path with an optical axis, in which the observation parts (3, 4)are arranged next to each other essentially parallel and spaced adistance apart via at least one connection element (42, 43),characterized in that in a usage position the longitudinal axes (40, 41)of the observation parts (3, 4) in the region of the ocular sides (6)are spaced apart by a distance (47) of at least 54 mm and the twolongitudinal axes (40, 41) define a plane of reference (49), and that atleast one observation part (3, 4) in cross-section relative to thelongitudinal axis (40, 41) of the observation part (3, 4) has at leastone flared portion (36) on an external side (48), wherein surface pointsof the flared portion (36) are arranged in such a manner that they arelocated inside a subsection having a longitudinal extension (75) between20% and 80% of an overall length (51) of the observation part (3, 4) orof the long-range optical device between an ocular-side end (52) and anobjective-side end (53) and in an annulus section (56) having a normaldistance to the optical axis of the objective (5) and relative to aradius (54) of a lens (55) of the objective (5) between 130% and 250%and within the annulus section (56) relative to the optical axis of theobjective (5), which extends starting from a tangent plane (50) acrossthe side facing away from the other observation part (4), wherein thetangent plane (50) is arranged on the external side (48) of theobservation part (3, 4) on the side facing the connection element (42,43) and aligned perpendicular to the plane of reference (49) andparallel to the longitudinal axis (40, 41) of the observation part (3,4). Accordingly the observation part has at least one flared portionprojecting beyond its exterior, in which a very wide range of componentscan be accommodated in a protected location. The arrangement of theflared portion, in particular on the underside in the usage position,simplifies an additional improvement in the handling for the relativemutual adjustment of the observation parts to each another, since adirected support is facilitated. A multiple advantage is thereforeobtained, since the widest range of components can be additionallyarranged on or inside the long-range optical device and furthermore, thehandling for the user is also simplified. Due to the fact that theflared portion does not extend completely over the entire length of theobservation part, the sections facing the user retaining their normaldimensions.

Independently of this the problem addressed by the invention is alsosolved by a long-range optical device, in particular an observationdevice (1), having at least two observation parts (3, 4), eachcomprising housing parts (38, 39) with an ocular side (6) and anobjective side (5), a longitudinal axis (40, 41) of the observation part(3, 4) extending between the ocular side (6) and the objective side (5),and having at least one observation beam path with an optical axis, inwhich the observation parts (3, 4) are arranged next to each otheressentially parallel and spaced an adjustable distance apart via atleast one connection element (42, 43) about a pivot axis (44),characterized in that at least one observation part (3, 4) has on anexternal side (48) at least one flared portion (36), which extendsinside a sub-region between 20% and 80% of an overall length (51) of theobservation part (3, 4) or of the long-range optical device between anocular-side end (52) and an objective-side end (53), and that in across-section relative to the longitudinal axis (40, 41) of theobservation part (3, 4) surface points of the region of the flaredportion (36) furthest away from the optical axis of the objective (5)have a normal distance to the optical axis, the value of which inrelation to a radius (54) of a lens (55) of the objective (5) liesbetween 130% and 250%, and that the flared portion (36) lies in a regionfacing away from the pivot axis (44) of a tangent (73, 74) on theexternal side (48) of the observation part (3, 4), wherein the tangent(73, 74) is aligned perpendicular to a plane (71, 72) defined by thelongitudinal axis (40, 41) and the pivot axis (44) and extends incontact with the external side (48) of the observation part (3, 4)facing the pivot axis (44). Due to the fact that the flared portion,viewed in cross-section with respect to the longitudinal axis, isarranged on the side lying opposite to the tangent of the common pivotaxis, a region is set aside which serves to support the handling, butthe ability of the two observation parts to pivot relative to each otheris not affected. The arrangement of the housing extension, in particularon the underside in the usage position, facilitates an additionalimprovement in the leverage for the mutual adjustment of the observationparts relative to each another, since a directed support is facilitated.A multiple advantage is therefore obtained, since the widest range ofcomponents can be additionally arranged on or inside the long-rangeoptical device and furthermore, the handling for the user is alsosimplified.

Also advantageous is the flared portion extending along thecircumference of the observation part in cross-section relative to thelongitudinal axis of the observation part by between 5° and 270°, sincethis means that depending on the components to be accommodated in theflared portion an optimal matching to them can take place.

Another advantageous construction is the flared portion having a wallthickness, which approximately corresponds to a wall thickness of thehousing part of a corresponding observation part, which means that withthe lowest possible material consumption a stable outer housing can becreated while in spite of this, allowing the accommodation of a verywide range of components within the long-range optical device.

Due to the construction of the flared portion being integral with thehousing part it is possible to provide a highly stable shell to form thehousing parts.

Also advantageous is the flared portion including a separate housingcomponent coupled to the housing part, by means of which the fabricationof the housing parts is simplified and a high level of flexibility canbe obtained by the mutually interchangeable housing components.

In the configuration wherein a coupleable plug connection is arrangedbetween the housing component of the flared portion and the housingpart, it is advantageous that at the same time as the coupling to thehousing part, electrical signals, for example, or power can betransmitted.

Due to the flared portion having a keel-shaped cross-section in alongitudinal section relative to the longitudinal axis of theobservation part a sharp edged transition to the two ends of thelong-range optical device is avoided and thus the stop surfaces can besmoothed.

Due to the flared portion (36) forming an accommodation space (59) on aninner side facing the longitudinal axis (40, 41), depending on the sizeof the accommodation space the component or components to beaccommodated therein can be fixed in place and additionally protected.

Another advantageous construction is that at least some of thecomponents from the group of beam-forming systems, beam-deflectingsystems and range finding devices, navigation systems such as GPS(Global Positioning System), remote communication systems such as W-LAN,Bluetooth, infrared, lasers and radio, energy generating devices, energyaccumulators or energy storage devices, thermal imaging devices andmobile communications devices are used, since with this arrangement arange of variation can be created with a very wide range of componentsor modules.

According to a construction, a communications interface or a connectionfor a power supply device is arranged on the flared portion (36), andthe universal applicability of the overall long-range optical device isincreased still further.

The configuration whereby the communications interface is selected fromthe group of USB, IEEE 1394 (Firewire) or RS 232 has proved to beadvantageous since data transfer is facilitated between the componentsaccommodated in the long-range optical device and control and/orcomputing units or data storage devices located externally thereto.

According to an advantageous construction, a transmission and/orreceiver device (63) for the components is arranged in the accommodationspace (59) is arranged on the flared portion (36), and a wirelesstransfer or transmission of data or signals can be effected.

Also advantageous here is a construction whereby at least one lightingmeans (64) is arranged on the flared portion (36), where additionallighting means, such as torches or similar, can be dispensed with andthe long-range optical device can be used as a light emitting device atthe same time.

In another construction, the lighting means (64) is selected from thegroup of LEDs, halogen lamps, xenon burners, incandescent lamps, lasersdepending on the lighting means used, the strength of the light can beeasily varied.

In the construction whereby at least one display element (65) isarranged on the flared portion (36) or the display element (65) isdesigned to display at least one value from the group of positioncoordinates, temperature, illumination strength, air pressure, humidity,sea level, compass points and the charging state, a capability foreasily reading displayed data or readings on the outside of thelong-range optical device can be obtained.

Also possible in this arrangement is a construction whereby theobservation part (3, 4), in particular the housing part (38, 39)thereof, is of a pipe-shaped or tubular construction, which canguarantee an adequate support and simple accommodation of the opticalcomponents.

The construction of a thumb recess (37) being constructed on theobservation part (3, 4) between the flared portion (36) and the ocularside (6) is advantageous since the handling capability during theobservation procedure can be made more ergonomic and the thumb hasenough space when placed in the thumb recess.

Also advantageous however is a construction of the thumb recess (37) inlongitudinal section relative to the longitudinal axis (40, 41) of theobservation part (3, 4) extends inside the cross-section of thepipe-shaped housing part (38, 39), in which a trough-shaped constructioncan be obtained between the flared portion and the housing part.

Where the observation part (3, 4), in particular the housing part (38,39) thereof, has almost the same uniform wall thickness (58) of between0.5 mm and 1.5 mm over its whole length, the lowest possible materialconsumption is adequate.

Also advantageous is a further embodiment whereby the connection element(42, 43) is formed by hinged bridge parts (45, 46) and the hinged bridgeparts (45, 46) 46 are each an integral component of the observation part(3, 4), by means of which firstly an exact machining and alignment ofthe component is possible, and secondly an exact mutual alignment can beachieved when joining them together.

Also advantageous is a construction whereby the observation part (3, 4)is formed from a light metallic material such as magnesium or amagnesium based alloy, since not only can an extremely stable shell becreated, but also therefore the weight can be additionally reduced.

Due to the construction whereby the observation part (3, 4) is formedfrom a fiber-reinforced plastic, wherein samples of the fibers can bechosen from the group of glass fibers, aramide fibers, carbon fibers,metallic fibers, ceramic fibers or polyimide fibersit is possible tosimply adapt the housing of the long-range optical device to verydifferent application conditions.

According to another design variant, the observation part (3, 4), inparticular the housing part (38, 39) thereof, has a release (69) on itsocular side (6), which is aligned starting from mutually facing sides ofthe observation parts (3, 4) in the direction facing away from theconnection element (42, 43) and tapering in the direction of theobjective side (5), due to the beveling constructed to taper outwards, asimple glove-like fit is obtained for the ocular-side eye muscle, whichmeans that even in colder seasons correct use of the long-range opticaldevice is possible.

Also advantageous is the construction whereby the connection element(42, 43) is constructed as a pivoting connection made of telescopicbridge parts (66, 67) in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinalaxis (40, 41) of the observation part (3, 4), since here, without apivoting motion a change in the inter-eye spacing for adapting todifferent users is still facilitated.

In the configuration whereby, along the longitudinal extension of theobservation parts (3, 4), at least two connection elements (42, 43) arearranged between the ocular side (6) and the objective side (5), and theconnection elements (42, 43) and the two observation parts (3, 4)circumscribe an intermediately formed free space (68)it is advantageousthat a passage space is created between the connection elements, whichenables the handling of the long-range optical device to be made easierand, in particular, more secure.

Due to the construction whereby the observation part (3, 4) has aheating device at least in some areas an even higher level of operatorcomfort is made possible for the user, even in cold weather.

Due to the construction whereby the device is assigned a motion dynamoand/or a manually activated hand dynamo for generating electrical energythe period of use can be further increased, since when the device is inuse a constant charging of the energy storage device occurs.

Due to the construction whereby the centre of gravity of the observationdevice (1), viewed in longitudinal section with respect to thelongitudinal axis (40, 41), is arranged in a longitudinal section (76),which corresponds at least to the section of the thumb recess (37) inthe same directionan almost tilt-free support for the observation deviceis obtained during the observation procedure. In interaction with thethumb recess and the flared portion joined thereto a supporting forcecounteracting the turning moment is generated, which means a steadierobservation procedure is possible that is not subject to blurring.

Also advantageous is a construction whereby the observation part (3, 4)comprises an interface (70) for coupling to a firearm, since this allowsindividual observation parts to be coupled to a firearm on their own.

According to a construction whereby the connection element (42, 43)coupling the observation parts (3, 4) comprises a coupling device asimple separation of the observation parts from each other is possible.This means an even higher number of possibilities is created forcombining different observation parts together.

Finally however a construction whereby each of the observation parts (3,4) forms an independently usable component in itself is alsoadvantageous, since an even higher flexibility of the long-range opticaldevice can thus be achieved.

To allow a better understanding of the invention this will be explainedin more detail with the aid of the following drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In a highly simplified schematic representation, they show:

FIG. 1 a long-range optical device with a simplified system of opticsand an integrated range finder in a usage position and viewed fromabove;

FIG. 2 a side view of the long-range optical device according to arrowII in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 a side view of the long-range optical device according to arrowIII in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 an observation device with an alternative embodiment of theinter-eye width adjustment;

FIG. 5 a view of the objective of the long-range optical device with afurther possible arrangement of the flared portion.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It should first of all be noted that in the various embodimentsdescribed, equivalent parts are assigned identical labels or componentdesignations respectively, the disclosures contained in the entiredescription being analogously transferrable to equivalent parts withidentical labels or component designations. Also, the positional detailschosen in the description, such as above, below, to the side etc., referto the immediately described and illustrated Figure, and when there is achange of position are to be carried over analogously to the newposition. Further, individual features or feature combinations from thevarious exemplary embodiments shown and described can also represent,per se, solutions that are independent, inventive or according to theinvention.

All information on value ranges in the description of the subject matterare to be understood in the sense that they also comprise any and allsub-ranges thereof, e.g. the range 1 to 10 is to be understood to meanthat all sub-ranges, starting at the lower limit 1 and the upper limit10 are also included, i.e. all sub-ranges begin with a lower limit of 1or greater and end at an upper limit of 10 or less, e.g. 1 to 1.7, or3.2 to 8.1 or 5.5 to 10.

The FIGS. 1 to 3 show an observation device 1, in particular binoculars,but which can also be constructed as a long-range optical device. Thiscan also be formed by a telescopic sight, a theodolite, a levelingdevice, an optical system for a camera or a camera, photographicequipment or similar. Here the contours are shown as thin solid lines.

The observation device 1 comprises a first observation part 3 and asecond observation part 4, which each taken separately form a long-rangeoptical device. With regard to their optical components both observationparts 3, 4 are of identical construction and comprise first of all anobjective 5 and an ocular 6 to provide an enlarged representation of anobserved object. According to this exemplary embodiment the focussetting is effected by means of a focusing device 7, which is preferablyformed by a lens. To represent the observed object upright and with thecorrect lateral orientation, a reversing system 8 is arranged betweenthe focusing device 7 and the ocular 6. According to this exemplaryembodiment the reversing system 8 is formed by a prism system,comprising a roof prism 9 and a deflection prism 10. By means of thecited optical components, a first visual beam path 11 of the firstobservation part 3 and a second visual beam path 12 of the secondobservation part 4 are specified. For greater clarity the beam paths 11and 12 are each shown in simplified form, and symbolized only by thecorresponding main beams or the optical axes of the correspondingobservation parts 3 and 4.

Independently of this it would also be quite possible for the previouslydescribed optical components for forming the visual beam path 11, 12 tobe arranged in only one of the two observation parts 3, 4 and differentcomponents or component parts to be accommodated inside the additionalobservation part 4, 3 thereof, which will be described in further detailbelow.

For the range-finding measurement the first observation part 3 is also atransmission optical system 13 with a laser transmitter 14 and atransmitter optics 15. The laser transmitter 14 is integrated into thefirst observation part 3 in such a way that a part of a beam path 16 ofthe laser transmitter 14 is deflected into the first visual beam path11. In order to deflect the beam path 16 of the laser transmitter 14,optical components are provided in the first observation part 3, whichaccording to this exemplary embodiment are formed by a deflection prism17 and a splitter prism 18. For this purpose, the splitter prism 18 isarranged on the surface 19 of the deflection prism 10 lying opposite theroof prism 9, or on the surface 19 of the roof prism and connectedthereto. The surface 19 forms a beam splitter, by the fact that apartially transparent coating is provided thereon. By means of thiscoating, a reflection of the visual beam path 11 occurs on the surface19, whereas the light coming from the laser transmitter 14 is notreflected and passes through the surface 19 without difficulty. Thecombination of the optical beam path 16 of the laser transmitter 14 withthe first visual beam path 11 is therefore localized on the surface 19of the deflection prism 10, or the splitter prism 18. In order toachieve this the direction of the beam path 16 of the laser transmitterand the direction of the first visual beam path 11 in its objective-sidetrajectory are co-aligned in the region of, or inside the deflectionprism 10. By having the beam path 16 of the laser transmitter 14 alsopassing the focusing device 7 and the objective 5 in its trajectorytowards the object, the laser transmitter 14 or the beam path 16 of thelaser transmitter can be focused on the object or in the object plane.

After the reflection of the laser light on a remote object, reflectedlaser beams jointly re-enter the observation device 1 through the firstvisual beam path 11. As a result of the partially transparent coating ofthe surface 19 between the reversing prism 10 and the splitter prism 18,a separation of a beam path 20 of the laser receiver from the firstvisual beam path 11 takes place at this surface 19. In order to detectand/or measure the reflected laser radiation, a receiver 21 is provided,wherein the laser light is fed through a receiving optical system 22,which according to this exemplary embodiment is formed by the splitterprism 18 and a receiver prism 23. By having the first visual beam path11 and the beam path 20 of the laser receiver at the surface 19 betweenthe reversing prism 10 and the splitter prism 18 combined or split, apart of the beam path 20 of the laser receiver is thus also integratedinto the first visual beam path 11. Thus, in this observation device 1with a laser range finder 2, to integrate the beam path 16 of the lasertransmitter 14 and the beam path 20 of the laser receiver 21 into thefirst visual beam path 11, optical components are arranged, in which anintersection occurs between the first visual beam path 11 and the beampath 16 of the laser transmitter 14 or the beam path 20 of the laserreceiver 21. According to the exemplary embodiment described, the areaof the intersection is furthermore localized on a single opticalcomponent, namely the surface 19 of the deflection prism 10. Thus boththe supply of the laser radiation from the laser transmitter 14, and theseparation of the reflected laser radiation from the first visual beampath 11 take place on the single surface 19.

The range measurement is made in the manner known per se, based on theprinciple of propagation time measurement of a laser pulse or a laserpulse train, which is emitted by the laser transmitter 14. From theratio of the time difference between the emission of a laser pulse andthe arrival of the reflected laser light to the speed of light the rangeof the sighted object can be found. The arrival time of the reflectedlaser signal is detected by the receiver 21. A control and analysis unit24 is provided for the calculation and for controlling the functions ofthe observation device 1. The value for the range eventually calculatedin the control unit 24 can be displayed for the observer in the field ofview, by a display element 25 being provided in one of the twoobservation parts 3, 4 with an appropriate set of display optics 26. Thedisplay optics 26 is arranged according to this exemplary embodiment inthe second observation part 4 in such a way that the beam path 27 of thedisplay optics 26 is integrated into the ocular-side part of the secondvisual beam path 12. The region of the intersection of the beam path 27of the display optics 26 with the second visual beam path 12 islocalized, as already described for the reversing system 8 of the firstobservation part 3, on a partially reflecting surface of a prism.

Furthermore, in order to facilitate the sighting of an object the rangeof which is to be measured, a target mark 28 is provided in the firstobservation part 3. The target mark 28 or a beam path 29 to the targetmark 28 is relayed via a set of target mark optics 30 provided for thepurpose in the ocular-side part of the first visual beam path 11. Thearea of the intersection of the beam path 29 with the target mark 28 isalso localized on the surface 19 lying between the deflection prism 10and the splitter prism 18.

According to an alternative embodiment it is also possible to integratethe beam path 27 of the display element 25, as well as the beam path 29to the target mark 28, into the first observation part 3 of theobservation device 1. Vice versa, it would also be possible to use thedisplay element 25 itself to generate the target mark 28.

FIG. 2 shows a side view of the observation device 1 or of thelong-range optical device according to according to FIG. 1. According tothe diagram the observation parts 3, 4 have an approximately tubularbasic shape. In a lower region of the observation part 3, 4 thiscomprises a keel-shaped flared portion 36. Furthermore in a region ofthe observation part 3, 4 adjoining this and facing the ocular 6, athumb recess 37 is constructed. The flared portion 36 forms an internalaccommodation region for the device electronics, in particular for thecontrol and analysis unit 24. The external shape of the flared portion36 and the thumb recess 37 also form a particularly convenient ergonomicshape, or gripping arrangement, guaranteeing that the observation device1 can be held comfortably, resting on the balls of the thumbs.Furthermore, this shape also has the advantage of improved leverage tothe extent that pivoting of the two observation parts 3, 4 of theobservation device 1 is facilitated. Likewise in the event of a lineardisplacement of the observation parts 3, 4 relative to each other theadjustment of the inter-eye distance is improved.

In this exemplary embodiment shown here the two observation parts 3, 4are formed from housing parts 38, 39 shown in simplified form and extendbetween the ocular 6 or the ocular side and the objective 5 or theobjective side. Furthermore the housing parts 38, 39 between the ocularside 6 and the objective side 5 each define a longitudinal axis 40, 41.With a central mounting of the optical components, in particular theobjective 5 and the ocular 6, to a large extent the longitudinal axes40, 41 extend congruently to the first and/or second visual beam path11, 12. The first and/or second visual beam path 11, 12 can form anobservation beam path, which in turn defines or forms an optical axis.

In order to obtain an almost or completely tilt-free support of theobservation device 1, in particular the two observation parts 3, 4,during the observation procedure, it is advantageous if the centre ofgravity of the observation device 1, viewed in longitudinal section withrespect to the longitudinal axis 40, 41, is arranged in a longitudinalsection 76, which corresponds at least to the section of the thumbrecess 37 in the same direction. By means of the immediate andsubsequent arrangement of the flared portion 36 with the slopingtransition region, this longitudinal section 76 can be additionallyenlarged in the direction towards the objective side 5. If the centre ofgravity, which by definition is given by the optical components insidethe observation device 1 or the observation parts 3, 4, lies outsidethis region in the direction of the objective side 5, then the tiltingmoment that occurs can be caused by an adequate cupping of the hands orelse by supporting the ocular side 6 on the upper forehead bone boundingthe eye socket. A workable combination of these can be chosen dependingon the observation procedure. Due to the thumb recess 37 matched to thegeometry of the thumb in connection with the sloping transition towardsthe flared portion 36, an additional supporting effect can also beeffected here.

In addition, in this exemplary embodiment shown here the two observationparts 3, 4 are arranged next to each other via at least one butpreferably multiple connection elements 42, 43 in an essentiallyparallel arrangement and spaced a distance apart. The connection elementor elements 42, 43 can each be formed in a known manner by a hingedbridge, here shown simplified, which define or form a pivot axis 44. thehinged bridge can in turn comprise hinged bridge parts 45, 46, whichform the common pivot axis 44 in the end regions facing each other andat the ends facing away from them are each connected to the observationpart 3, 4 or the housing part 38, 39 thereof. Preferably the hingedbridge parts 45, 46 are each an integral component of the observationpart 3, 4, in particular the housing part 38, 39 thereof. If the housingpart 38, 39 is manufactured for example by a precision casting process,these can be constructed at the same time as the manufacturing processthe housing parts 38, 39 and thus be formed directly thereon.

In a standard usage position of the observation device 1 or thelong-range optical device the longitudinal axes 40, 41 of theobservation parts 3, 4 in the region of the ocular sides 6 are spacedapart by a distance 47. This distance 47 can also be referred to as aso-called inter-eye distance, which in ophthalmology is equivalent tothe distance between the centers of the pupils of both eyes. The humaninter-eye distance is currently 62 mm on average (for men) and alsovaries only very slightly between highly different constitution typesand body sizes. In women the inter-eye distance can be somewhat smallerat for example 54 mm. There are approximately 5% of women for whom thisdistance 47 is below 54 mm. The distance 47 here is related to thelongitudinal axes 40, 41 of the observation parts 3, 4, wherein with acentral mounting of the ocular 6 this corresponds to the optical axis ofthe beam path 11 and/or 12 in the region of the ocular 6. This usagearrangement or position serves to allow further definition of thearrangement of the flared portion 36 on an outer side 48 of theobservation part 3, 4 or housing part 38, 39. Thus for example thedistance 47 can have a value at a lower limit of 52 mm and a value withan upper limit of 66 mm. Here the distance 47 only plays an importantpart in the case of observation parts 3, 4 that are pivotable at anangle, since due to the pivoting motion the position of the componentsarranged on the external side 48, such as for example the flared portion36, changes relative to each other or also with respect to the pivotaxis 44.

The longitudinal axes 40, 41 or the optical axes of the two observationparts 3, 4 define in the previously described distance 47 a plane ofreference 49 lying in the two longitudinal axes 40, 41, as can best beseen from FIG. 3. Thus the two longitudinal axes 40, 41 fix the plane ofreference 49. On the side facing the pivot axis 44 or the connectionelement 42, 43 a tangential plane 50 is shown in simplified form, whichis therefore arranged tangential to the housing part 38 on the sidefacing the additional observation part 4 on the first observation part3. This means that the tangential plane 50 is also aligned perpendicularwith respect to the plane of reference 49 and mostly parallel withrespect to the longitudinal axis 40.

The arrangement and construction of the previously described flaredportion 36 can best be seen from a visual comparison of FIGS. 2 and 3.Thus in FIG. 3 one is shown in the region of the observation part 3,shown here on the right.

The flared portion 36 projects here beyond the outer surface of thehousing part 38, 39 in the region of its exterior 48, wherein thehousing part 38, 39 is most commonly a tubular or pipe-like component.The flared portion 36 for its part in turn has surface points arrangedin such a way that they [lie] inside a sub-region at a lower limit of20% and an upper limit of 80% of an overall length 51 of the observationpart 3, 4 or the long-range optical device between an ocular-side end 52and an objective-side end 53. This sub-section shown here of the flaredportion 36 has been assigned the reference label 75 over its wholelongitudinal extent. This region can preferably be arranged roughlycentrally with respect to the overall length 51 of the observation part3, 4. A directed approach would also be possible however to theobjective side 5 and/or ocular side 6, which means a directeddisplacement of the centre of gravity relative to the longitudinal axis40, 41 is facilitated, viewed in relation to the tilt-free support.

The longitudinal extent of the flared portion 36 is shown in simplifiedform in FIG. 2. Thus the flared portion 36 can have a keel-shapedcross-section in a longitudinal section relative to the longitudinalaxis 40, 41 of the observation part 3, 4. The flared portion 36 thenprojects beyond the usually pipe-shaped or tubular exterior 48 on to theside facing away from the longitudinal axis 40, 41. This keel-shaped, orwhat could also be termed a fin-like construction, is effected when,starting from the highest elevation of the flared portion 36, this isaligned so as to taper towards the objective side or ocular side 5, 6,and thus angled with respect to the longitudinal axis 40, 41.

The previously described surface points of the flared portion 36 canhere be arranged at a normal distance between a lower limit of 130% andan upper limit of 250% to the optical axis of the objective 5 withrespect to a radius 54 of a lens 55 of the objective 5. Depending on thewall thickness of the housing parts 38, 39 with the protective elementsadditionally arranged thereon and described in more detail below, therange of values of the radius 54 can be either even smaller or greaterthan the limits previously given. Thus the lower limit can e.g. can bearound 110% to 120%. This is useful in case observation devices 1 with asmaller objective diameter are used. The radius 54 can also be fixed bythe free or clear diameter of the objective however, and thus relatedthereto. This means that those surface points having the largest radialdistance relative to the longitudinal axis 40, 41, lie within thepreviously described limits. Independently of this it would also bepossible for individual surface points or region of the flared portion36 to project radially beyond the indicated maximum limit, while themajority of the flared portion 36 lies within the given limits. TheRadius 54 of the lens 55 is usually equal to and/or smaller than aninner dimension of the housing part 38, 39 in the region of theobjective-side end 53. The value of the radius 54 is preferably relatedin interaction with the lens 55 to the base body for accommodating theoptical components, wherein the housing parts 38, 39 forming the basebody can at least in some areas, preferably completely however, beenclosed by at least one enclosing element to protect them. Furthermore,additional protective parts or protective enclosures can be arranged onthe base body. These can be e.g. protective caps and tubular protectiveelements in the region of the objective side 5 and/or ocular side 6. Allof these previously mentioned protective elements serve not only toprotect against blows and scratches, but can also serve to provideadditional stiffening of the overall base body, in particular thehousing parts 38, 39. The thicker or stronger the protective parts arein relation to the radius 54, the more the flared portion 36 willproject beyond the base body or the housing parts 38, 39. The enclosingelement is preferably arranged in such a way that it also covers theflared portion 36 and can be formed both integrally or from multipleparts from a very wide range of known materials.

Viewed circumferentially with respect to the longitudinal axis 40 or theoptical axis of the objective 5, the flared portion 36 can in turn bearranged in an annulus section 56, which viewed in a radial directionextends inside the previously described limits and ends at thetangential plane 50, also previously described, on the side facing theadditional observation part 4. The annulus section 56 thus extends fromthe tangential plane 50 relative to the optical axis of the objective 5over the entire side of the first observation part 3 facing away fromthe other observation part 4.

The other tangential plane 50 assigned to the second observation part 4is arranged or aligned in a mirror-inverted manner relative to the pivotaxis 44 on the second observation part 4. The flared portion 36 of thesecond observation part 4 is preferably arranged or constructed in thesame previously described limits and extends in turn from the tangentialplane 50 assigned to the second observation part 4 over the side facingaway from the first observation part 3.

In this way the possible method of arrangement of the flared portion 36is fixed within the previously described limits and ranges. Thecircumferential extent of the flared portion 36 itself can extend onlyover a sub-region of the annulus section 56, up to the entire annulussection 56. This extent can in cross-section relative to thelongitudinal axis 40 or 41 of the observation part 3 or 4 for examplelie between a lower limit of 5° and an upper limit of 270°.

Since the observation part 3, 4 is usually involves a housing part 38,39 manufactured by a casting or injection molding process, it isadvantageous if the flared portion 36 has a wall thickness 57 whichroughly corresponds to a wall thickness 58 of the housing parts 38 or39. The wall thickness values used here relate exclusively to thepreferably metallic housing part 38, 39 and the flared portion 36,without additional covering or protective coatings. This means that, dueto the flared portion 36 an accommodation space 59 is constructed on itsinner side facing the longitudinal axis 40 or 41. The flared portion 36can itself be an integral component of the housing part 38 or 39, as isshown in solid lines in FIG. 2.

Independently of this it would also be possible to form the flaredportion 36 by a separate housing component 60, to be coupled to thehousing part 38 or 39. To achieve a sealing of the entire housing part38 or 39 with the coupleable housing component 60 a sealing element 61,shown simplified, can be provided. This sealing element 61 can serve notonly to create a secure seal with first or second observation parts 3, 4and the optics, or the other components previously describedaccommodated therein, but at the same time also fulfill a locking orcoupling function. The sealing element 61 is preferably constructed as acontinuous part covering the entire circumference of the housingcomponent 60 without gaps. The sealing element 61 can thus beconstructed as a stand-alone component, or rather arranged on the flaredportion 36 and/or the housing part 38 or 39, in particular formedthereon. The housing component 60 could also be constructed tocircumferentially cover the entire annulus section 56, wherein howeverthe flared portion 36 viewed in cross-section only covers a partialregion thereof. This means that the housing component 60 is designed tobe a removable component, which extends over the cross-section in thepredefined limits, but the flared portion 36 being constructed shorterto allow this. Thus identical housing parts 38, 39 are constructed foraccommodating the housing component 60 and depending on the housingcomponent 60 that is used, with the flared portion 36 arranged thereon,a different arrangement relative to the housing part 38, 39 is achieved.

If a coupleable, and if necessary removable, housing component 60 isprovided to form the flared portion 36, a corresponding protectivecovering of the first or second observation part 3, 4, not shown in moredetail, can also have an outline corresponding to the sealing element61, in order to facilitate a trouble-free removal or re-attachment.

A continuous covering element, also not shown in detail, having aremovable or fold out construction for carrying out the removal orattachment procedure from the housing part 38 or 39, would also beconceivable. After a completed manipulation this can be arranged overthe flared portion 36 so as to form a seal over it again.

The observation part 3 or 4, in particular the housing part 38, 39thereof, is preferably constructed with almost the same uniform wallthickness 58 over its whole length, wherein this can lie between a lowerlimit of 0.5 mm and an upper limit of 1.5 mm. These values relate tohousing parts 38, 39 or the housing component 60, when this is formedfrom a light metallic material such as magnesium or a magnesium basedalloy. It would also be possible to form the observation part 3, 4, inparticular the housing parts 38 or 39 thereof, and where appropriate thehousing component 60 from a fiber-reinforced plastic, wherein samples ofthe fibers can be chosen from the group of glass fibers, aramide fibers,carbon fibers, metallic fibers, ceramic fibers or polyimide fibers.These previously given limits for the wall thickness 58 relateexclusively to those of the housing parts 38,39 with no additionalprotective or enclosing elements arranged thereon. These would furtherincrease the overall wall thickness.

In addition, as is now best seen from FIG. 2, a thumb recess 37 isconstructed between the flared portion 36 and the ocular side 6 on theobservation part 3 or 4. In a horizontal position or alignment of theplane of reference 49 the thumb recess(es) 37 is (are) arranged orconstructed on the underside of the observation device 1, in particularof the long-range optical device. In this arrangement the thumb recesses37, viewed in longitudinal section relative to the longitudinal axis 40,41 of the observation part 3, 4 extend inside the cross-section of thepipe-shaped housing part 38, 39. The thumb recess 37, in particular ofthat part wall of the housing part 38, 39, therefore projects into theinterior of the observation part 3, 4.

The thumb recess 37 serves to ensure a good grip behavior and associatedsecure handling of the long-range optical device. This applies not onlyfor the period of the observation procedure, but also when the device isbeing carried or held with one hand, simply because the thumb can bebetter supported and positioned in this trough or recess. The thumbrecess 37 can also additionally serve to reduce the perimeter thicknessof the observation device 1 or long-range optical device, in order tofacilitate its secure support also when used by persons with smallerhands, and in particular, thumbs and index fingers.

The thumb recess 37, when viewed circumferentially relative to thelongitudinal axis 40, 41 can also extend over a certain angular range,starting from the underside and in a horizontal arrangement of the planeof reference 49 preferably to both sides in the direction of the planeof reference 49.

The accommodation space 59 formed by the flared portion 36 inside thefirst or second observation part 3, 4 can in turn be used to accommodatea very wide range of individual components or modules, which can bechosen from the group comprising beam-forming systems, beam-deflectingsystems and range finding devices, navigation systems such as GPS(global positioning system), remote communication systems such as W-LAN,Bluetooth, infrared, lasers and radio, energy generating devices, energyaccumulators or energy storage devices comprising at least oneelectrical energy accumulator that can be in the form of a primary orsecondary storage element, thermal imaging devices and mobilecommunications devices. A laser transmitter or a projector, for example,can serve as a beam-forming system. Beam-deflecting systems includemirrors, prisms, lenses or similar. Some of these components are shownin FIG. 2 simplified and schematically by dashed lines.

In order to establish connection to the component or components arrangedin the accommodation space 59 and/or to the modules previously describedin detail in FIG. 1, it is advantageous if a coupleable plug connection62 is arranged between the coupleable housing component 60 of the flaredportion 36 and the housing part 38 or 39. This plug connection 62 isshown in FIG. 2 in simplified form by dashed lines on the side of theflared portion 36 facing the objective 5, and located internally.

In order to be able to establish a communication connection to thedifferent components previously described and arranged in theaccommodation space 59, a communication interface or a connection for apower supply device or a power supply unit can be arranged on the flaredportion 36. This is not shown in detail however for the sake of clarity.Thus for example the communication interface can be chosen from thegroup USB, IEEE 1394 (Firewire) or RS 232.

In addition it can also be advantageous if a transmission and/orreceiver device 63 for the component or components arranged in theaccommodation space 59 is provided or arranged on and/or in the flaredportion 36. Independently of this however, a lighting means 64 couldalso be provided or arranged on the flared portion 36. This lightingmeans 64 can for example be chosen from the group of LEDs, halogenlamps, xenon burners, incandescent lamps, lasers etc. The laser can beused for target illumination. The necessary power supply and thecorresponding activation means for this can in turn be arranged on theflared portion 36 or in the accommodation space 59.

It is further shown in simplified form in FIG. 3, that at least onefurther display element 65 can be arranged on the flared portion 36.This display element 65 is electrically connected to correspondingmeasurement or calculation devices in and is used to display individualvalues from the group position coordinates, temperature, illuminationstrength, air pressure, humidity, sea level, compass points and thecharging state. With the display of the charging state, for example theremaining available electrical energy of the energy storage device, suchas a battery or a rechargeable battery, can be visually represented. Thedisplay element 65 can be arranged as a separate component on theexternal side of the flared portion 36 and/or serve as a separatedisplay for superposition on or fading into the optical beam path.Equally it would also be possible, however, to equip the long-rangeoptical device in combination with an inclinometer and so to apply itwith the previously described laser-based range finder and with thecompass for simple surveying work. Using suitable calculation methodsthe horizontal and/or vertical distances can then be calculated.

In FIG. 4 the long-range optical device, in particular the observationdevice 1 is shown in a plan view in the position of use, wherein againidentical labels or component designations are used for equivalent partsas in the preceding FIGS. 1 to 3. In order to avoid unnecessaryrepetitions, reference is made to the detailed description in thepreceding FIGS. 1 to 3.

FIG. 4 shows an observation device 1 with an alternative embodiment ofthe inter-eye width adjustment of the two observation parts 3, 4. Herebetween the observation parts 3, 4 at least one telescopic connection isprovided, which enables a linear displacement of the observation parts3, 4 relative to each other in a direction perpendicular to thelongitudinal extensions of both observation parts 3, 4.

The connection element or elements 42, 43 are in this case, in contrastto the previously described embodiment, now constructed in the form of apivoting connection made of telescopic bridge parts 66, 67 in aperpendicular direction relative to the longitudinal axis 40, 41 of theobservation part 3, 4. The previously described distance 47 between thelongitudinal axes 40, 41, in particular in the region of the ocular side6, can thus in turn be adjusted to different inter-eye distances of theuser.

If in longitudinal extension of the long-range optical device, inparticular the observation parts 3, 4 thereof, at least two connectionelements 42, 43 are provided, spaced apart from each other between theocular side 6 and the objective side 5, then the connection elements 42,43, interacting with the two observation parts 3, 4 on the sides facingeach other, circumscribe between themselves an intermediately formedfree space 68. The free space 68 can serve as a passage between theobservation parts 3, 4 for handling the long-range optical device andoffers great advantages, since each of the two observation parts 3, 4can thus be easily grasped as desired, and therefore securely held. Thisconstruction is also shown in simplified form in FIG. 1.

It is further shown in the region of the ocular side 6 that theobservation part 3, 4, in particular the housing part 38, 39 thereof,has a release 69 which is aligned starting from mutually facing sides ofthe observation parts 3, 4 or housing parts 38, 39 thereof in thedirection facing away from connection element 42 or 43 and tapering inthe direction of the objective side 5. This means that the housing parts38, 39 in the previously described usage position on their ocular-sideend 52 are aligned so that they taper outward away from the side facingthe connection element 42.

In the previously described constructions of the long-range opticaldevice it can prove to be advantageous if the observation part 3 and/or4 at least in some areas has a heating device, not shown in detail here,on the external side or else in the region of the housing part 38 or 39.The corresponding power supply for this can be realized by thepreviously described energy accumulator accommodated in the flaredportion 36. Additionally it would also still be possible to assign thelong-range optical device, in particular one of the observation parts 3and/or 4, a motion dynamo and/or a manually activated hand dynamo forgenerating electrical energy, in order to thus supply suitable energyto, and so in turn charge up, the energy accumulator while the device isbeing used and subject to the associated motion.

In FIG. 5 the long-range optical device, in particular the observationdevice 1, is shown looking towards the objective 5, wherein againidentical labels or component designations are used for equivalent partsas in the preceding FIGS. 1 to 4. In order to avoid unnecessaryrepetitions, reference is made to the detailed description in thepreceding FIGS. 1 to 3.

The long-range optical device shown here again comprises the twoobservation parts 3, 4 with their housing parts 38, 39 and thelongitudinal axes 40, 41 defined by these. The two housing parts 38, 39are in turn pivotably coupled or connected together in the region of thepivot axis 44 via connection elements 42, 43.

In contrast to the illustration in FIG. 3, to define or specify thearrangement region of the flared portion 36 on the housing part 38 or 39the previously described plane of reference 49, which was defined by thetwo longitudinal axes 40, 41 is not used, but rather additional planes71, 72 that are aligned differently to these are defined. Thus the firstplane 71 is defined by the longitudinal axis 40 of the first observationpart 3 and the common pivot axis 44. The other or second plane 72 bycontrast is defined by the longitudinal axis 41 of the secondobservation part 4 and again by the common pivot axis 44. To specify thearrangement region of the flared portion 36 therefore, the previouslyrequired distance 47 between the two oculars 6 is no longer needed.

The arrangement of the flared portion 36 on the observation parts 3, 4can be effected analogously to this, as has already been previouslydescribed in detail in FIGS. 1 to 3. The circumferential arrangement incross-section relative to the longitudinal axis 40, 41 of theobservation part 3, 4 takes place in such a way that surface points ofthe region of the flared portion 36 furthest away from the optical axisof the objective 5 have a normal distance to the optical axis, the valueof this normal distance in relation to the radius 54 of the lens 55 ofthe objective 5 lying between 130% and 250%. The previously describeddeviations in limits are allowed, should this turn out to be necessary.The previously described annulus section 56 is defined by these twolimits. In contact with the external side 48 of the housing part 38,39,each of the two housing parts 38, 39, or both observation parts 3, 4, isassigned a tangent 73, 74. Of these the tangent 73 is assigned to thefirst observation part 3 and the other tangent 74 to the other or secondobservation part 4. Thus the first tangent 73 viewed in cross-section isarranged between the longitudinal axis 40 and the common pivot axis 44in contact with the external side 48. The other tangent 74 isanalogously aligned extending between the other longitudinal axis 41 andthe common pivot axis 44 in contact with the second observation part 4.The flared portion 36 is then located in a region facing away from thepivot axis 44 of the tangent 73, 74 in contact with the external side 48of the observation part 3, 4.

The tangent 73 or 74 is arranged not only in contact with the externalside 48, but it also extends in cross-section perpendicular to the plane71 or 72 assigned thereto, and in contact with the external side 48 ofthe observation part 3, 4 facing the pivot axis 44.

The arrangement of the flared portion 36 in cross-section relative tothe longitudinal axis 40, 41 on the housing part 38, 39 is thereforefixed independently of the relative position of the two observationparts 3, 4 to each other.

Not just one flared portion 36 can be arranged on the observation part3, 4, but multiple such flared portions 36 can also be provided on therespective observation part 3 and/or 4, viewed circumferentially. Itwould equally be possible to construct the flared portion 36continuously on the side of the tangent 73,74 facing away from the pivotaxis 44.

Independently of this, it would also still be possible to assign acoupling device, if necessary detachable, to all previously describedembodiments in the region of the connection elements 42 coupling theobservation parts 3, 4 and/or 43, or to construct one there, in order toseparate the two observation parts 3, 4 from each other and if necessarycombine them together again to form a binocular observation device orlong-range optical device. The possibility is thus created to constructeach of the two observation parts 3 and/or 4 as an independently usablecomponent in itself. If for example the first observation part 3 isequipped with an optical system, which forms the visual beam path 11,the first observation part 3 can be used on its own for example as atelescopic sight for a firearm and be connected thereto. For thispurpose it is advantageous if the observation part 3, 4 comprises aninterface 70 for coupling to a firearm, which is indicated in simplifiedform in FIG. 4 by dashed lines in the first observation part 3.

In all the previously described embodiments however it is also possibleto arrange multiple such flared portions 36 distributed over thecircumference within the previously defined annulus section, in order tocreate the facility to arrange multiple independent functionalcomponents on the observation part 3, 4 and if these are designed to becoupleable, if possible to be able to exchange these with currentlyunused functional components. This means that a high degree offlexibility is obtained and for the relevant users the facility iscreated to tailor and to construct the long-range optical device, inparticular the individual observation parts 3, 4, individually to therespective user's personal requirements.

The flared portion 36 can for example be arranged and constructed ononly one of the observation parts 3, 4 or also on both observation parts3, 4. The possible arrangements of the flared portion 36 on the twoobservation parts 3, 4 relative to each other can be different but alsomirror-inverted in terms of the position relative to the pivot axis 44.

It can also be particularly advantageous if at least individualcomponents or modules of the two observation parts 3, 4 formed therefromare constructed in the same way and preferably also symmetricallyrelative to the pivot axis 44. The two housing parts 38, 39 arepreferably constructed symmetrically or mirror-inverted relative to thecommon pivot axis 44, wherein only differences in the construction andarrangement of the connection elements 42, 43 or the hinged bridge parts45, 46 can result.

The exemplary embodiments show possible variant embodiments of thebinocular observation device 1 or the long-range optical device, atwhich point it should be pointed out that the invention is not limitedto the variant embodiments of the devices specifically illustrated, butrather that various combinations of the individual variant embodimentsamong themselves are also possible, and due to the teachings ontechnical activity by invention in the relevant subject matter, thispossibility of variation lies within the expertise of a person skilledin the art in this technical field. There are also therefore any numberof conceivable variant embodiments, which are possible by combinationsof individual details of the variant embodiment illustrated anddescribed, also included in the scope of protection.

For the sake of completeness it should be finally pointed out that toallow a better understanding of the structure of the binocularobservation device 1 or the long-range optical device, these or theircomponent parts have been partially illustrated not to scale and/orenlarged and/or reduced in size.

The problem addressed by the independent inventive solutions can beunderstood from the description.

In particular, the individual embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 2, 3, 4, 5form the subject matter of independent solutions according to theinvention. The corresponding problems and solutions according to theinvention can be understood from the detailed descriptions of theseFigures.

LIST OF REFERENCE LABELS

-   1 Observation device-   2 Laser range finder-   3 First observation part-   4 Second observation part-   5 Objective-   6 Ocular-   7 Focusing device-   8 Reversing system-   9 Roof prism-   10 Deflection prism-   11 First visual beam path-   12 Second visual beam path-   13 Transmitter optical system-   14 Laser transmitter-   15 Transmitter lens-   16 Beam path-   17 Deflection prism-   18 Splitter prism-   19 Surface-   20 Beam path-   21 Receiver-   22 Receiver optical system-   23 Receiver prism-   24 Control and analysis unit-   25 Display element-   26 Display optics-   27 Beam path-   28 Target mark-   29 Beam path-   30 Target mark optics-   36 flared portion-   37 Thumb recess-   38 Housing part-   39 Housing part-   40 Longitudinal axis-   41 Longitudinal axis-   42 Connection element-   43 Connection element-   44 Pivoting axis-   45 Hinged bridge part-   46 Hinged bridge part-   47 Spacing-   48 External side-   49 Plane of reference-   50 Tangential plane-   51 Overall length-   52 Ocular-side end-   53 Objective-side end-   54 Radius-   55 Lens-   56 Annulus section-   57 Wall thickness-   58 Wall thickness-   59 Accommodation space-   60 Housing component-   61 Sealing element-   62 Plug connector-   63 Transmission and/or receiver device-   64 Lighting Means-   65 Display element-   66 Bridge part-   67 Bridge part-   68 Free space-   69 Release-   70 Interface-   71 Plane-   72 Plane-   73 Tangent-   74 Tangent-   75 Longitudinal extent-   76 Longitudinal section-   77 Surface of the flared portion

The invention claimed is:
 1. A long-range optical device comprising at least two observation parts, each accommodated within a tubular or pipe-like housing part with an ocular side and an objective side and a longitudinal axis extending between the ocular side and the objective side, and having at least one observation beam path with an optical axis, at least one connection element arranged between the housing parts so that the housing parts are arranged essentially parallel to each other and spaced a distance apart from each other, wherein said distance between the longitudinal axes together with the housing parts is adjustable, wherein in a usage position the longitudinal axes of the housing parts in the region of the ocular sides are spaced apart by a distance of at least 54 mm and in said usage position the longitudinal axes define a plane of reference, and that at least a first housing part in cross-section relative to its longitudinal axis has at least one flared portion on an outer surface beside the at least one connection element, said flared portion projects beyond the outer surface of the tubular or pipe-like first housing part, wherein the flared portion forms an accommodation space on an inner side facing the longitudinal axis for components or modules from at least one of a group of beam-forming systems, beam deflecting systems and device electronics, wherein the flared portion is formed by a separate housing component that can be coupled to said first housing part and that is designed to be removable, and a surface of the flared portion is located inside a subsection having a longitudinal extension between 20% and 80% of an overall length of the housing part or of the long-range optical device between an ocular-side end and an objective-side end, and said surface of the flared portion being located in an annulus section having a normal distance to the optical axis of the objective and relative to a radius of a lens of the objective between 130% and 250%, and said surface of the flared portion being located within a spatial section being delimited by a tangent plane, said spatial section facing away from a second housing part, wherein the tangent plane is arranged on the outer surface of the first housing part on the side facing the connection element, wherein the tangent plane is aligned perpendicular to the plane of reference and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the first housing part.
 2. The long-range optical device according to claim 1, wherein the accommodation space comprises one of a range finding device, a global positioning navigation system, a communication system, an energy generating device, an energy accumulator, an energy storage device, a thermal imaging device and a mobile communications device.
 3. The long-range optical device according to claim 1, wherein a communications interface or a connection for a power supply device is arranged on the flared portion.
 4. The long-range optical device according to claim 3, wherein the communications interface is selected from the group of universal serial bus (USB), IEEE 1394 (Firewire) or RS
 232. 5. The long-range optical device according to claim 1, wherein a transmission and/or receiver device for the components is arranged in the accommodation space on the flared portion.
 6. The long-range optical device according to claim 1, wherein the observation part includes a heating device.
 7. The long-range optical device according to claim 1, includes a motion dynamo and/or a manually activated hand dynamo for generating electrical energy.
 8. A long-range optical device comprising at least two observation parts, each accommodated within a tubular or pipe-like housing part with an ocular side and an objective side and a longitudinal axis extending between the ocular side and the objective side, and having at least one observation beam path with an optical axis, at least one connection element arranged between the housing parts so that the housing parts extend essentially parallel to each other and are pivotable about a pivot axis, wherein a distance between the longitudinal axes of the housing parts is adjustable, wherein at least a first housing part has at least one flared portion on an outer surface besides the at least one connection element, said flared portion projects beyond the outer surface of the tubular or pipe-like first housing part, wherein the flared portion forms an accommodation space on an inner side facing the longitudinal axis for components or modules from at least one of a group of beam-forming systems, beam deflecting systems and device electronics, wherein the flared portion is formed by a separate housing component that can be coupled to said first housing part and that is designed to be removable, and said flared portion extends inside a sub-region at a lower limit of 20% and an upper limit of 80% of an overall length of the housing part or the long-range optical device between an ocular-side end and an objective-side end, and that in cross-section relative to the longitudinal axis of the first housing part, a surface of the flared portion furthest away from the optical axis of the objective has a normal distance to the optical axis, the value of this normal distance in relation to the radius of the lens of the objective lying between 130% and 250%, and that the flared portion lies in a spatial section located on one side of a tangent, said tangent being in contact with the outer surface of the first housing part, said spatial section being delimited by said tangent and facing away from the pivot axis, wherein the tangent is aligned perpendicular to a plane defined by the longitudinal axis and the pivot axis, and the tangent extends in contact with the outer surface of the first housing part facing the pivot axis.
 9. The long-range optical device according to claim 8, wherein the accommodation space comprises one of a range finding device, a global positioning navigation system, a communication system, an energy generating device, an energy accumulator, an energy storage device, a thermal imaging device and a mobile communications device.
 10. The long-range optical device according to claim 8, wherein a communications interface or a connection for a power supply device is arranged on the flared portion.
 11. The long-range optical device according to claim 10, wherein the communications interface is selected from the group of universal serial bus (USB), IEEE 1394 (Firewire) or RS
 232. 12. The long-range optical device according to claim 8, wherein a transmission and/or receiver device for the one or more components is arranged in the accommodation space on the flared portion.
 13. The long-range optical device according to claim 8, wherein the observation part includes a heating device.
 14. The long-range optical device according to claim 8, includes a motion dynamo and/or a manually activated hand dynamo for generating electrical energy.
 15. The long-range optical device according to claim 2, wherein the communication system comprises one of a W-LAN, Bluetooth, infrared, laser and radio.
 16. The long-range optical device according to claim 9, wherein the communication system comprises one of a W-LAN, Bluetooth, infrared, laser and radio. 